Weekly Update from the Senior Pastor
January 12, 2006 
Dear Family and Friends,
Last weekend, in that “look back/look forward” Vision message, I spoke of time on a mountain reflecting about our future; and pondering the phrase: ‘homes of light” that push back the darkness. Later Roger and Paul shared that Senior Motino, the beloved leader of our work in Copan sensed a very similar call for the church there—homes of light scattered across the mountains around Las Mesas. Whatever “home” is for you—imagine it filled with the Light of Jesus: His presence working inside to create health and integrity; then radiating out. Let’s pray and build this Vision into reality by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Soon I will see Las Mesas! But first:
In twelve hours, at 3:30 A.M. I’ll have the unique privilege of seeing what Phil and Debbie Catron look like in the wee hours of the morning—and drive like. We’ll be heading off to BWI to meet up with seven other intrepid souls, heading out for the Mission Honduras pre-trip: my first-ever “third world” mission journey. It’s exciting to be a part of this team, to help at the orphanage and jail, then in the various ministries and planning steps in and around Copan/Las Mesas; preparing for our summer waves of missionaries. I have such respect for Roger and Bob’s leadership in this arena so, wondering how I can best contribute, I asked God what I needed to do to get ready. I sensed His response was: “Go as a child. Go teachable.” Lead on Father. We are getting our plane fare cheaper because we are flying on Friday the 13th. Thank God for release from superstitions and for the security of being able to affirm Moses’ heart in Exodus 33:15: “Lord, if Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Tomorrow—Honduras.
Updates:
· TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION: Moving into the active facility-planning stage and exploring our interim options more intently, our desire is to compulsively communicate information as a two-way interchange between the key teams and the whole congregation. So Eric Closs, our Trustee Chair and Bryan Chaney, our Development Team Co-Chair have set up direct e-mail addresses, where you can ask questions, make observations or share ideas—the more the better. Please use these!
o Click here to communicate with the Trustees.
o Click here to communicate with the Development Team.
· ANNUAL SWEETHEART BANQUET, February 10th: Engaged couples are welcome to join the 2006 Sweetheart Evening, CELEBRATE MARRIAGE! We have a great list of couples signed up already and there is room for you. Watch for a second video soon. Make your reservation at the Welcome Center this Sunday and you’ll still be in the drawing for a Mealey's Restaurant gift certificate! Reservation deadline is Sunday, January 22.
· EXPANDING DEVELOPMENT TEAM: We have two strong additions to our Development Team, with skill sets that were perfect for where we are in the process: the first is Ken Frost, a professional project manager for a company that contracts with the federal government and the second is Kevin Martin, retired facilities manager for The Holton-Arms School in Bethesda. Ken is already leading the way in evaluating various bids and helping us select the best project manager for the overall facility development process.
· KEEP ON: During December I wrote a good bit about our finances and we finished together with our best year ever and an amazing $336,000 for the month. Our mission projects are in great shape. So let me say a final word on the whole arena of stewardship for a while: Stay faithful. Be a consistent, settled partner with God. IF we each, according to our abilities, trust Him with a tithe or perhaps beyond, God promises us all we need to do all He desires. We trust. He provides. Watch and enjoy the long-term investment strategy of heaven unfold in your life.
Love ya,
Richard
|
